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Why Topical CBD Shows So Much Promise As An Option For Joint Pains, Inflammation And Arthritis

You can swallow a pill, take an extract or vape it, but some individuals find that it is best to apply CBD to their skin directly.

We were interested in learning more about why topical applications are being chosen by some CBD consumers, like massage oils or lotions, over other forms of the supplement, and we were surprised to find how many ailments it can help.

Although CBD oil is a non-psychedelic industrial hemp extract, it appears to provide healing benefits no matter how it is ingested, from some skin conditions, some forms of chronic pain, and other types of localized issues, topical applications enable users to directly to the source. Topical CBD also works faster, since it doesn’t need to first travel throughout the digestive system.

Just like our investigations into whether or not CBD can help anxiety and chronic pain, we have reviewed the scientific literature on the subject at look at reports as well from ordinary people who benefit from hemp extract. There is extensive research on the overall benefits that CBD provides in human, but most of the studies on topical applications that we were able to find used animals.

A University of Kentucky research team in July 2016 published the results from their successful CBD study in the European Journal of Pain regarding relieving arthritis symptoms found in rats. Arthritis was artificially induced in the knee joints of rats by scientists, and then it was studied whether or not their pain was reduced and mobility improved by CBD.

The researchers noted that joint swelling was significantly reduced by transdermal CBD gel, and noted other pain indicators, including how the affected joints were positioned by the rats appeared to be improved as well.

The researchers added that the CBD did not alter exploratory behavior which indicated that higher brain function had only a limited effect, and there was additional evidence that few side effects were associated with CBD.

The scientists concluded that according to the data topical CBD application appears to have therapeutic potential for relieving arthritis pain-related inflammation and behaviors without any noticeable side effects.

Although maybe not as applicable to daily applications, it has been suggested by other animal studies that CBD might reduce numerous different types of inflammation. Another thing that is worth noting is there are two patents at least already on specific topical CBD formulations.

When cannabinoids are topically applied, it enables them to be directly absorbed into the affected area for more focused and faster relief.

They noted that one benefit was even psychoactive cannabis-based topical formulations are not mind-altering since they bind with CBD receptors close to the skin, which activates the endocannabinoid system, and not absorbed into the bloodstream ever.

Beyond just the basic chronic pain problems, it has also be shown that the topical use of the combination of CBD and THC have been reported as being effect against multiple sclerosis’ central pain. It might help with skin conditions as well, including skin infections, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, and burns.

The freelance fitness writer Rachael Schultz, in her January 2017 report published in Shape magazine, had a more cautious take on topical CBD. She warned that there very little scientific data supporting the concept that a CBD-infused topical cream is more effective compared to other topical pain relievers, such as Icy Hot, BenGay or Tiger Balm.

It was also speculated by Schultz that other herbal ingredients contained in topical CBD cream might be as active or more than CBD itself. However, the experts that she consulted with did admit that CBD is promising, but mainly still unproven in human-based lab testing.

According to Gregory Gerdeman, a cannabinoid expert, and neurophysiologist at Exkert College, the stiffness and pain coming from overexertion or post-workout does have a pro-inflammatory aspect to it, and therefore it is reasonable to believe that CBD or other types of cannabinoids may have benefits. But there is no research supporting that yet.

According to some CBD users, CBD is the only thing that helped them and state why they have gone topical.

On Reddit at /r/CBD/, users were asked about topical use of CBD, and there were numerous individuals who were eager to discuss its benefits.

Dr. Ranga Krishna, a Brooklyn-based neurologist, said he both holds a patent and prescribed topical CBD due to its amazing promise.

He said that topicals are a great option since it is easy to measure them when it comes to ingredient compositions, and they have higher bioavailability compared to orally ingested compounds due to having the ability to skip liver metabolization.

Although he is hoping CBD can shine through when it comes to topical application, he said they were doing studies still regarding that. He said he hopes to eventually combine it along with other kinds of topical pain relievers.

One user reports that he tried it for a stubborn chronic pain issue and that it did help some but wasn’t enough for his level of pain or the spot.

He said they had gone back to other ingesting CBD methods that appear to help more. Although topical creams did not help with chronic pain, another, an unexpected benefit was discovered. It worked great on menstrual cramps.

Other people on Reddit were very enthusiastic about topical CBD benefits. One person suffering from postherpetic neuralgia, which is a lingering type of chronic pain that might be caused by shingles, wrote that CBD was the only thing that helped.

There are severeal Studies done on CBD and Skin Care from the NCBI below:

A wide array of CBD products exist for purchase on the open these days, and it makes good sense for everyone to gain a strong understanding of CBD-related terminology and definitions. Doing so will enable all of us to choose products that are well-suited to our own requirements. In the following paragraphs, we will cover the fundamentals of CBD isolates, learn how they are made, examine the ways in which they can be used and explain their beneficial qualities.

Basic Features Of CBD Isolates

CBD crystals, or isolates, represent the purest and most intense CBD product available at the present time. With 99 percent purity, these isolates take the form of a power that is comprised of CBD chemical compounds alone. Isolates are not created in a lab and are not synthetic, but rather all-natural products taken straight from hemp plants. Once extracted, it is further refined and made into this impressively pure substance that is truly prized by those in the know.

The Multi-Step Process Of Making CBD Isolate

CBD crystals are sourced from marijuana plants via a range of procedural steps that facilitate the critical facets of extraction and isolation. An organic cannabis plant is the starting point. Keep in mind that this is not marijuana of the sort that produces a high. Hemp of commercial-grade quality is what CBD isolates are made from, and it is grown for the purpose of providing an optimal biomass. The hemp that is used is quite distinct from the cannabis a recreational user would want. Though the plant origins are the same, the products are not. Hemp contains no THC, making it ideal for making CBDs.

There are many steps involved in making the CBD isolates. First, it is necessary to use CO2 in order to get the oils and resins from the plant itself. Having received the FDA’s imprimuatur of safety, a greater concentration is achievable, containing cannabinoids and fatty acids that naturally occur in hemp.

Then, the extracted substance will need winterization and purification. At this stage, CBD oils can be purified in a specialized process designed to remove unnecessary plant materials. Extraneous waxes are filtered away and lipids are separated during winterization. Now, extra plant substances are eliminated from what remains. The result is a CBD isolate with almost complete purity. Lastly, wax and chlorophyll that may be left can be removed. The end product is a pristine CBD suitable for ingestion or used in a variety of applications.

To verify the reliability and purity of a CBD isolate, it is important for it to undergo rigorous laboratory tests. Adhering to these recommendations helps make certain that the cannabinoid concentration is appropriate and effective and that there are no heavy metals, toxins, fungi, molds or mildew left behind. Products should be free from contaminants to the highest degree possible.

The Myriad Of Uses For CBD Isolate Products

Because of the lack of THC and plant material, the isolated crystals are said to be a truly ideal rendering that is difficult to beat. The powder itself has no discernible smell or flavor, and it can be used in an impressive range of other products. Be sure to measure the potency of the isolate being used when developing oil infusions. The 99 percent purity of these crystals indicates that each milligram of CBD isolate equals an active CBD milligram.

Sublingual Use of CBD Isolates

Similarly to other products made with hemp oil, isolates of CBD can be used orally. Those who wish to do so may place the substance under their tongue for quicker introduction into the system. When the oil sits for 60-90 seconds under the tongue, it gets into the blood much faster than via other routes. Also, the oil will steer clear of rapid metabolism by the liver, something that ought to be avoided if at all possible. Using the CBD isolate in this way is also simpler and easier than other methods.

Making CBD Oils And Preparations On Your Own

A surprisingly large number of folks have a keen interest in developing edible products at home. Though it is possible to use CBD oils in an array of foods and drinks, none are as powerful as CBD isolates. Fortunately, the isolates are soluble in lots of different oil types, including coconut, avocado and palm, and they can be used to make infused liquid preparations.

After an oil has been made, it can be used to infuse almost any edible item, such as cookies, brownies and the like. It is also useful for smoothies, coffee and, to the surprise of many, as an oil for massage. CBD has a boiling point of between 320 and 356 degrees Fahrenheit, and heating to this level can reduce potency somewhat. This is a good reason to exercise a bit of caution and discretion when utilizing CBD isolates in this way. The truth of the matter is that it is better to cook with lower temperatures in order to prevent unnecessary degeneration. It would be disappointing indeed to end up limiting the efficacy of the product by making the avoidable mistake of overheating it.

Vaporization Of CBD Isolates

180 to 200 degrees Celsius is the range for vaporization of CBD isolates. Vapor has a number of useful applications, including those related to water bubblers and vape pens. It is also possible to inhale these vapors straight or use in a dabbing manner. Isolates are great for making concentrates known to elevate CBD levels for those who vape. Once vaporized, CBD is able to get into the blood in an efficient manner that does not reach the liver or digestive system.

It is possible to purchase CBD isolate from a significant number of distributors and manufacturers. Buying in bulk is always a wise idea, and the product can be shipped straight to your home. Those interested in learning more about CBD isolates should visit a local dispensary to discover even more information than is provided here.

If you have been keeping up with the news on CBD oil, you must have recently heard about water-soluble CBD which is touted to be a new type of CBD.

When you take CBD oil sublingually by placing it under your tongue and holding it in for up to 3 minutes, you can feel the effect much more quickly as the active component in the CBD oil get absorbed directly into the bloodstream in this manner. This has a number of benefits over consuming CBD oil in a capsule form or putting CBD oil directly into your stomach. When you put CBD oil drops directly in your mouth, these go through your digestive system before being absorbed in the bloodstream and CBD components need to get absorbed in the bloodstream in order to provide you with the required benefits.

Therefore, the major advantage of taking CBD oil sublingually is that it helps in getting CBD as well as various other cannabinoids into the CB2 receptors much quicker and in a much more efficient manner as compared to when you just swallow CBD oil. This happens due to the terpenes in the CBD oil getting distributed much more efficiently and quickly in your body.

However, there is still a problem when you take CBD oils sublingually. This is due to the reason that oil does not mix well with water and 80% of your blood is nothing but water. To understand it better, consider the process of making a vinaigrette salad where you mix oil with vinegar. When you mix all these things, vinegar (which happens to be a water solution) and oil stay separate at the bottom of the salad bowl. You need to use a whisk with a lot of force in order to mix the oil and vinegar together.

You will notice that the vinegar and oil still separate out in case the vinaigrette salad is left out for too long before you serve it. Also, you will find small oil beads floating in the water when you take a close look at the vinaigrette. This is due to the reason that oil and water do not mix well.

This is what happens when CBD oil is absorbed the bloodstream. Due to the powerful pump action provided by you heart, which acts as your internal whisk, the blood rushes through the blood vessels and mixes with the CBD oil molecules. However, this does not lead to full dissolution of CBD oil into the blood in the cells as these cells are made up of around 90% water. In such a situation, some of the cannabinoids and terpenes reach the CB2 receptors but a lot of these nutrients go waste as they never get a chance to be get dissolved into the blood. What really happens is that most of the nutrients in the CBD oil are flushed out from your body before they can be absorbed.

This is where you need to understand the term bioavailability. In simple terms, bioavailability may be defined as a measure of the amount of nutrient that can actually be used by the body and put to good purpose when it goes into your system. Some experts have estimated that only around 10% of the total available cannabinoids and terpenes are directly absorbed in your body when you take CBD oil sublingually and this ratio goes further down when you consume it in capsule form or directly.

The biggest advantage of buying water-soluble CBD is that a much higher percentage of cannabinoids and terpenes are directly absorbed into your body. In fact, it is estimated that almost all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in the CBD oil are absorbed in the blood in case of water-soluble CBD. In simple terms, you get much greater benefits even if you take a lower amount of water-soluble CBD. You can also save a lot of money without compromising on the therapeutic benefits of CBD oil.

There are several other advantages of water-soluble CBD. One of the other advantages is that it allows you to accurately measure the serving size which means you can easily get the desired therapeutic effect. One of the biggest problems with CBD oil is that users are unaware of the actual dosage they are receiving as they are unable to measure the exact amount of active components that are actually absorbed by the body. On the other hand, you can rest assured that a majority of the terpenes and cannabinoids as well as other nutrients present within the CBD oil will be absorbed in the body in case of the water soluble CBD. This will allow you to accurate measure your dosage in order to get the desired benefits.

CBD oil isn’t naturally water-soluble and therefore, some reengineering needs to be done inside a laboratory in order to make it water-soluble. Once the processing has been done, it is usually sold as water-soluble CBD powder or water-soluble CBD liquid. As far as the process for converting regular CBD oil into water-soluble CBD is concerned, it is patented and nobody is aware of the exact details about how the process works.

However, here are some bits and pieces that we do know about the process. In this process, the CBD oil molecules are processed into nano-sized particles. These particles are so small that these can easily mix into the blood. While you wouldn’t call it dissolution exactly but the final results are close to that.

Another thing we are aware of is that these CBD oil molecules are combined with curcumin in order to make them more water-soluble. As far as the benefits of curcumin is concerned, it may help with keeping Alzheimer’s disease at bay. It is also considered safe. Also, CBD oil is known to prevent many different types of cancers including colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer among others. Curcumin has a neutral pH and is slightly water-soluble at room temperature. However, researchers have been able to make curcumin molecules a lot more water-soluble by tinkering with the pH and temperature levels.

When you are buying water-soluble CBD, it is important for you to ensure that it’s a full spectrum version. A full spectrum version means that none of the cannabinoids, phytonutrients or terpenes were removed during the reengineering process. The water-soluble CBD is sold in liquid as well as powder forms.

Why is CBD not psychoactive the way that THC is? How is one cannabinoid able to profoundly alter the mind, whereas another one doesn’t seem to at all?

When we are discussing psychoactivity and cannabis, we are exclusively dealing with CB1 receptors. They are concentrated within the central nervous system and brain. The difference between THC and CBD comes down to the fundamental difference in the way that each of them interacts with the CB1 (cannabinoid 1) receptor. CB1 cannabinoid receptors and THC bind well together. However, CBD has a low affinity for binding with CB1 receptors. This is where the two part ways.

It is similar to an electrical plug that connects to the wall socket. The shape of a THC molecule is ideal for connecting with CB1 receptors. Whenever that connection occurs, THC stimulates, or activates, the CB1 receptors. THC is referred to by researchers as a CB1 receptor agonist, meaning the THC works to activate the CB1 receptors.

Anandamide, which is a naturally produced neurotransmitter and called “the bliss molecule,” is partially mimicked by THC. Anandamide is a type of endocannabinoid that activates CB1 receptors. We have learned from animal studies that anandamide can increase the pleasure that is associated with consuming food and increasing appetite. It is also probably responsible for some of the rewarding effects that we receive from exercising (for example the “high” that runners get). Anandamide plays a role in pain, motivation, and memory as well. THC resembles anandamide so closely that it can activate CB1 receptors, which allows it to produce similar feelings of bliss.

THC Vs. CBD: Why Isn’t CBD Psychoactive?

By contrast, CBD and CB1 receptors are not a good fit. CBD is an antagonist of the CB1 agonists. What that means is it doesn’t directly act to suppress or activate CB1 receptors – instead, it suppresses the CB1-activating qualities that a cannabinoid such as THC has. So when you ingest CBD and THC, the CB1 receptors are directly stimulated by the THC, whereas CBD modulates the THC. According to Martin Lee, co-founder of Project CBD, CBD opposes THC action at the CB1 receptors, which mutes THC’s psychoactive effects.

How does this work in actual real life? Say that cannabis flower is vaporized with 24 percent THC. If this flower contains 0.2 percent CBD, then the THC will excite your CB1 receptors without hardly any CBD interference. You might feel very high and may also experience some of THC’s less desirable effects, like heightened paranoia feelings. However, if you consume cannabis that is 6 percent CBD and 24 percent THC, then CBD should dampen the THC’s effect. You will still feel high, but probably not as much, and also your paranoia should be kept in check by the CBD.

THC Vs. CBD: Why Isn’t CBD Psychoactive?

There are significant political implications with the differences in psychoactivity. As has been noted by the Project CBD founders, some people have labeled THC mistakenly as the “bad cannabinoid” while CBD has been called the “good cannabinoid.” Many CBD-only laws have been passed by legislators in the Southern states to try to provide patients with access to this powerful cannabinoid and at the same time prohibiting THC. However, Raphael Mechoulam, who is a pioneering cannabis researcher, frequently talks about the “entourage effect,” which is the concept that terpenes and cannabinoids might work better together compared to in isolation. For example, GW Pharma’s Sativex is a drug that has been approved outside of the United States for treating MS-related muscle spasticity. There is almost a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio contained in Sativex.

As researchers continue learning more about CBD along with the role that other compounds and cannabinoids play in treating conditions such as MS, we might be able to dose CBD more accurately in combination with other kinds of cannabis-derived compounds.

Although we don’t usually think of stress as being something that is desirable, actually it is a critical adaptive response that may help us with coping with threats to either our or another person’s welfare and safety. Those answers help us with recognizing and averting possible threat; and they may also help with motivating us to take action or improve our situation (improve relationships, pay bills, work harder, etc.). However, whenever we are unable to effectively manage those natural responses, they may become maladaptive and can impact our relationships and work. That can lead to anxiety-related disorders. All of us are familiar with the saying of, “stress kills.” It is true.

A high percentage of our population is affected by anxiety-related disorders – 40 million adults (18%) age 18 and older in the U.S. Big Pharma has responded by developing numerous drugs for treating anxiety-related disorders, ranging from tranquilizers (with benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium being the most popular) to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft and Prozac.

Although for many patients the drugs may be effective, some people do not have a favorable response. Some patient does not see a lot of improvement or are unable to handle the side effects. Also, tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium may be highly addictive. Alternative treatments are warranted. Is it possible that cannabidiol (CBD), which is the most prominent of the non-psychoactive components in cannabis, offer a viable alternative to the anxiety medications that are currently available? It is quite possible!

How Cannabidiol (CBD) Works To Treat Anxiety

CBD in recent years has been generating lots of interest among scientists, clinicians, and consumers. Why is that? The evidence not only suggest that many of THC’s adverse effects are counteracted by CBD, but many animal studies as well as mounting evidence from epidemiological, clinical and human experimental studies have suggested that there are powerful anti-anxiety properties contained in CBD. When administered acutely (on an “as needed” basis) it appears to be well-tolerated, safe and might be beneficial for treating numerous anxiety-related disorders, including the following:

Several actions are exerted into the brain by CBD which explains why it can be so effective in the treatment of anxiety. Before diving in, it is essential to note that a majority of research that describes how CBD works is based on animal studies and is preclinical. “Mice are not men,” as the says go, so results coming from animal studies do not always transfer neatly over to human therapies. Preclinical studies, however, have provided insights for moving us in the proper direction:

5-HT1A agonist: 5-HT1A is actually a sub type of the serotonin receptor. The reason why this is so important is because depression and anxiety may be treated sometimes with medications for targeting the serotonin system. That is why SSRIs (elective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Zoloft and Prozac have been developed by drug companies. SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin inside of the brain. This increases the amount of serotonin that is available within the synaptic space. It helps brain cells with transmitting more serotonin signals. This can help to boost mood and reduce anxiety in certain situations (although the entire biological basis is a lot more complicated and not completely understood).

CBD, similar to SSRIs, might boost signaling via serotonin receptors. Spanish researchers in an animal study found that 5-HT1A transmission is enhanced by CBD and might affect serotonin more quickly than SSRIs.

Hippocampal neurogenesis: One of the major areas of the brain is the hippocampus. It plays a crucial role in various brain functions. It is best known for its role in cognition and memory formation. Brain scans from patients who suffer from anxiety or depression frequently display a smaller hippocampus and successfully treating depression is associated with new neurons being born (neurogenesis) within the hippocampus.

There was an animal study that used mice that found that administering CBD repeatedly might help the hippocampus with regenerating neurons, which may be useful to treat depression or anxiety. Research shows that both CBD and SSRIs might promote neurogenesis. That is significant since it is suggested by the evidence that severely impaired neuronal plasticity might influence suicidal behavior. Research in the future that compared the effect of SSRIs and CBD on neurogenesis might open up new avenues that are quite promising in the way that we understand depression and the most effective way to treat it.

How CBD Can Help With Anxiety

Human studies are beginning to build on the foundation made by animals studies and are now providing evidence that demonstrates that CBD might improve many common anxiety-disorder symptoms, such as anxiety and acute stress.

Human Studies Show How Anxiety Is Reduced By CBD

A small double-blind study was conducted by Brazilian researchers of patients who suffered from generalized social anxiety. Participants reported having significant decreases in anxiety after consuming CBD. Patients’ subjective reports were validated by researchers through conducting brain scans that showed cerebral blood flow patterns that were consistent with having an anti-anxiety effect.

There was another small study where researchers had patients who suffered from Social Anxiety Disorder to a simulated public speaking test. It was reported by participants that they had significantly less anxiety, with these findings being supported by objective stress indicators such as blood pressure and heart rate.

The conclusion of the researchers was that CBD significantly reduced discomfort in speech performance, cognitive impairments and anxiety. On the other hand, the placebo group experience higher discomfort, cognitive impairment, and anxiety.

Final Thoughts

Evidence coming from animal studies has started to fill in the details of the way that CBD acts inside of the brain. Also, human studies with patients who have anxiety disorders and those who don’t have to started to validate the efficacy of CBD as an anti-anxiety treatment. Given the enormous financial and social costs of anxiety disorders within the United States, CBD can potentially play a very significant role in the treatment of various anxiety-related disorders.

Although additional research is clearly warranted, including larger randomized-control trial (RCTs) for examining the potential and long-term effects of CBD, the efficacy that it has demonstrated, and its very favorable safety profile (especially when it is compared with drugs that are currently available) make it a very viable adjunct or alternative to pharmaceuticals that are currently available.